James E. Butler, 65, of Clearfield, passed away July 6, 2012 at the Mount Nittany Medical Center.
Mr. Butler was born Jan. 2, 1947 in Clearfield, the son of Clair E. and Ann D. (Johnson) Butler.
Jim was a graduate of Clearfield High School where he wrestled for legendary Hall of Fame coaches Jerry Maurey and Art Weiss. Following graduation, he went to work for the Clearfield “PROGRESS” newspaper as a sports writer and photographer, a position he has held for the past 30 years. His specialization at the paper turned out to be high school wrestling and during his many years there he has earned numerous state and national awards for his work including; National wrestling “writer of the year” in 1980 and 1984, District 6 “man of the year” in 1984 and National “wrestling photographer of the year” in 1986, 1991 and 1995. In 1999, Jim was inducted into the very first class of the District 9 Hall of Fame and later that year was also inducted into the Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association state Hall of Fame in Hershey.
In addition to his many journalistic awards, the thing Jim can be most proud of was his formation of one of the very first organized, off-season wrestling programs here in Pennsylvania. Through his efforts, he provided the necessary funding, training and transportation for hundreds of Keystone State wrestlers to display their talents during the summer months not only on a statewide level but on a national stage as well. During the 15 year span that he ran his very successful program, no less than 34 of his wrestlers, including 9 from right here in District 6, went on to capture PIAA state titles. In addition, 5 of those 34 state champs went on to even greater heights during their careers by capturing individual NCAA championships as well.
Jim was a 2003 District 6 wrestling Hall of Fame contributor and in 2006 received the Outstanding Media Award by the Pennsylvania High School Swimming Coaches Association.
He loved high school athletics and was an avid dirt track racing photographer and fan.
Mr. Butler is survived by his wife, Susan E. (Kanouff) Butler whom he married October 21, 1987, five children; Troy Butler and his wife Jodie of Bellefonte, Kandee Hosterman and her husband Randy, Kevin Butler, Steven Butler and his wife Kari all of Philipsburg and Renee Schwartz and her husband Frank of Monroeville, five grandchildren; Bailey Hosterman, Ty, Kalista, Mia and Landen Butler, a sister, Jeannie Butler and his former wife, Jeannine Lidgett of Philipsburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter-in-law, Kara Butler.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 11 at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc., of Clearfield with Pastor Tina Hawkins officiating. Interment will be in Mock Hill Cemetery.
Friends will be received at the funeral home on July 10 from 2 to 9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of services.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made to the Philipsburg Osceola Drama Club, Attn: Lisa Chorle, Philipsburg Osceola High School, Phillips St., Philipsburg, PA 16866 or Paint and Play, c/o Philipsburg YMCA, P.O. Box 426, 113 N. 14th St., Philipsburg, PA 16866 or the Bellefonte Youth Wrestling, c/o Bellefonte Wrestling Association, P.O. Box 50, Mingoville, PA 16856.
To send an on line tribute go to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com.
